The tension that had earlier floated away with the current and left her feeling relaxed came back full force. “What is that supposed to mean?”
“She wasn’t arrogant enough to think she could do it all on her own. She wasn’t afraid to let people help her.”
Marie stood and the pirogue rocked wildly. “You have no idea what I’ve been through. I’ve been protecting the people I love.”
“I can understand that attitude with your brother and sister. They’re young and need protecting, but in case you’ve forgotten, I’m trained to fight the bad guys. I don’t need your protection.”
He was so wrong. He didn’t have a clue that he needed her protection more than anyone. The feeling of impending disaster was so strong around him it radiated off him in waves. And she was scared to death she was going to bring him face to face with that catastrophe. “You’re so wrong, LD.”
“Stupid is more like it. Even after finding this.” LD reached into his shirt pocket for something and when he opened his hand she saw the stone he held.
“Where did you get that?” She felt certain she already knew the answer, but she needed to hear him say it.
“You were holding it in your hand when I found you unconscious. Want to tell me why you were clutching a diamond?”
“It’s none of your business.”
“Considering I’m risking my career, my reputation and my family is helping you at my request—I think I have the right to know.”
“Hum, let me think about this.” Marie stared at LD and could see his eyes narrow on her. Like that was going to intimidate her. “No.”
“No!” The word boomed out of LD, causing several birds to her left to take flight. “After everything I’ve done?”
“While we’re on the topic, why don’t we list exactly what you’ve done for me.” She held up a hand and started ticking off the list with her fingers. She hoped he wanted a fight because he was about to get one. “One. You followed me home from Boston then proceeded to stalk me.”
“Stalk you. I’ve followed you and that’s it.”
“We can argue the finer points later, but considering I don’t think you’re working in an official capacity—it’s stalking. Two,” Marie wiggled the fingers she held up, “you kidnap me and bring me to the middle of no man’s land and hold me hostage.”
LD pointed a finger at her. “I didn’t kidnap you and you are free to go any time you want.”
“Like I could find my way out of this place.”
LD’s look let her know he’d already thought about that and oh, it made her mad.
“Three. The thing you call a diamond is a fake. And guess where I got it?” The look on his face told her he already knew and didn’t want to hear the answer. If she were in more control she might have stopped, but her anger was like a runaway freight train.
“You. That day at your mother’s house. I don’t know what you were thinking, swapping those real diamonds for fakes.” She could see his knuckles turn white as he clutched the gem in his hand.
“I was trying to figure out what was going on. I thought I could help you get out of the mess you were in.”
Marie laughed bitterly. “If you had minded your own business I’d be done with this mess by now. I’d have my life back. Since you felt the need to fix my life, I was attacked in my own house because I gave someone those fake stones. That is the ultimate in arrogance.”
He drew back his arm and tossed the stone as far as he could. The curses that came from his mouth startled Marie and made her very aware of their close proximity. Turning in a small circle, she looked for a way out. She wanted off the boat. Her eyes locked on a piece of land only a short swim away.
“You’re going to tip us over if you don’t sit down. The cabin is around the next bend. Wait until we get there, then you can run away—like you’ve been doing ever since we met.”
His words cut straight through her, but this time instead of hurting her, they only fueled her anger. “I’m guessing that would be a compliment considering it’s coming from the master of running away.”
“Pardon me?”
“You are the king of running away. From what I’ve heard, you never spend more than a day or two in town before you run back to your safe haven.”
LD held the pole in his right hand as he pushed his hat back with his left. She could see his eyes clearly and the look in them warmed and scared her at the same time. “I’m not going to deny what you say, but I’ve faced my family and asked them for help, despite the fact I swore I’d never do that. When are you going to stop holding back and let someone help you?”
LD moved forward and Marie held out a hand, knowing it wouldn’t stop him. “Please stay back.”
“No. I’m tired of keeping my distance, and soft-shoeing hasn’t worked with you. I guess it’s time to ask the really hard questions. Are you working for Black?”
“I don’t have to answer that.”
“Wrong answer.” LD moved forward again. “Yes or no.”
She stepped back and bumped into the seat. “Stop crowding me.”
“I’ll crowd you all I want until I get some answers.”
As he took another step toward her, her temper rocketed straight off the chart. Without thinking, she grabbed the pole he was holding, rocked the boat and gave a shove. Caught off guard, LD tried to counterbalance her move, but she added more weight, tilting the boat even further.
Water washed in over the edge, soaking her shoes. She was sure they were both about to get tossed overboard, when LD’s boot slipped out from under him. The boat rocked wildly and Marie wasn’t sure she could hang on. There was a splash and then, the pirogue settled and she found herself standing with the pole in her hand.
LD broke the surface like a whale, spewing water. It served him right, Marie thought as she glared at him.
With one hand, LD wiped the water from his eyes as the other hand grabbed his hat before it floated away. As he placed the soggy hat on his head, he lunged for the boat. “This isn’t over.”
Marie poled the boat out of his reach. “For now it is.”
“It’s only a temporary reprieve, you know.”
LD thought he saw the hint of a smile as she watched him tread water. “I’ll take what I can get.” With those parting words, she planted the pole and pushed again. This time she disappeared around the corner.
LD swam to the shore the best he could, considering his boots were full of water. When he reached land, he hauled himself ashore. His boots squished as he walked the short distance to a fallen tree where he could sit and dump the water out.
He was glad there was no one around to witness his swamp-thing imitation. Despite the fact he was dripping wet and would have to clean his gun thoroughly, he felt better than he had in days. He’d gotten Marie to talk about more than the weather, what they were going to have for supper or the book she was currently reading. Even if the conversation was one spurred by anger, it was the best talk they’d had since arriving. He would swim in this murky, stinking, slimy water everyday if that’s what it took to get her to open up and tell him what was happening in her life.
Done with his boots, he retrieved his gun and field checked it before retuning it to his holster. At a leisurely pace, he began the short trip back to the cabin, unconcerned that he and Marie were separated. The island was no more than an acre in size and Marie dumped him literally on the backside of the landmass. The time it took to walk across the island should have been short, but the foliage was dense slowing him down. They only kept the area directly around the cabin cleared of undergrowth.
The house came into view through the vines and moss that hung from the trees. As a kid, he’d run this land from edge to edge and he never remembered having this much trouble, he thought as he pushed through the last of the brush. He pulled a few twigs from his clothes. At the far edge of the clearing, the pirogue was tied to a small tree next to the bridge. She’d obviously made it back without any problems. Frowning he p
ushed his hat back on his head and started toward the cabin. It was time she went for a swim, then they would do some serious talking.
The scream was high-pitched, instantly raising his heart rate. LD raced for the bridge, pulling his gun as he ran. Heedless of the danger he might be barging into, he ran straight to where Marie stood, with her back to him, wielding the pirogue pole like an extended light saber.
“I told you to stand there, be quiet and keep your hands on the railing—or else.”
LD stopped short when he realized she was the one giving the orders and to whom.
“Yes, ma’am. I assure you, I was sent by Kevin Carmouche to talk with LD. I was at the house the other morning when you were there.”
“I don’t remember you.”
LD didn’t need to see her face to know she was glaring at her prisoner, her tone said it all.
“I came in through a side door.”
“Another Carmouche who doesn’t do family functions?”
“You could say that.” The man’s voice carried an edge to it that hadn’t been there earlier. “I’m Paul Carmouche’s son.”
“Wrong answer.”
LD grabbed the pole before Marie could skewer his cousin. “He’s telling the truth.”
Marie turned to look at him. “Your uncle has only one son and he sure isn’t him.”
“My uncle only claims one son but he has two.” LD took the pole from her hands and leaned it in the corner against the porch railing. “Marie, this is Nate Carmouche. My uncle’s not-often-talked-about child.”
Marie’s eyes went big. “Oh. Oh, I’m so sorry. I mean I’m sorry I tried to push you into the swamp.”
Nate turned away from the rail, finally able to move, and took in LD’s less than pristine state. He directed his next statement to LD. “I think your woman was trying to decapitate me, not drown me like she obviously tried to do to you. You should learn to control her better.”
“I didn’t try to drown LD, I just wanted him out of the boat.” Marie squared her shoulders as she turned to Nate. “No one controls me and for the record—I’m not his woman.”
Nate laughed, Marie stiffened and LD groaned. Opening the door to the cabin, LD ushered Marie inside as she mumbled to herself about Nate and his rudeness. Turning back to Nate, LD caught the appreciative look in his cousin’s eyes as Marie walked away from them. “Give me ten minutes to shower and change then we can talk. Oh, and despite what she says, she’s mine, so keep your distance.”
Chapter Nineteen
Nine minutes later and carrying two beer bottles, LD walked back onto the porch. He handed a bottle to Nate and then sat in the vacant chair as both men took a deep drink.
“I really like it out here.” Nate looked around. “It’s peaceful.”
LD gazed across the water and watched the setting sun dance across it. In the distance, something broke the surface with a splash, mingling with the croaking of frogs and the buzzing insects. “Normally I’d agree with you. But this trip hasn’t been exactly stress-free.”
Nate glanced over his shoulder and LD followed his gaze through the screen door to Marie who lay on the bed reading. “I can imagine.”
That was one loaded comment and coming from anyone else, the person would have found himself swimming in the muddy water. But LD once spent nine months tracking down Nate and convincing him to visit his dying father, Paul. There wasn’t a scarier, meaner or more sensitive member of the family and he’d learned that firsthand. “What news do you have for me?”
The screen door opened and Marie walked out onto the porch. “I’d like to hear this.”
“LD can tell you later.” Nate’s words were harsh.
LD resisted the urge to snap at his cousin for ordering Marie around. “I’ll be the one to decide if she stays or not.”
“You haven’t heard what I have to say,” Nate continued as he turned back to LD.
“It’s not your decision.” For several seconds he thought Nate was going to argue with him, but finally his cousin gave a slight shrug of the shoulders.
“It’s your call, but for the record I disagree with you.”
LD stood and offered his chair to Marie as he rested one hip on the porch rail. “Didn’t ask if you liked it or not. Now, tell us what’s happening.”
Nate shook his head. “All the favors the family have been calling in are starting to pay off. Black is on the move, but we haven’t been able to catch him.”
“What does he mean?” Marie directed her question to LD.
“My family is using their influence to put pressure on different agencies to crack down on organized crime.” LD answered her question. “How far-reaching is this?”
“There are drug busts and raids going on all over Texas, Arkansas and Mississippi, not to mention what’s happening right here at home. We’re making it extremely difficult for him to hide or move around in the four state area.”
“Good,” LD answered as he considered the news.
“Maybe not.”
LD frowned. “Would you mind being more specific?” LD knew he sounded annoyed, but he was getting tired of pulling the information from his cousin.
Nate rubbed his eyes with the heels of his hands. “One of the raids went bad. It was at some warehouses where cocaine was being processed. A police officer and three men, known to have ties to Black at one time or another, were killed. Rob doesn’t remember any of them from Boston, but we know that doesn’t mean they aren’t working for Black now.”
“Damn.” He’d hoped this could go more smoothly.
“Well, that’s not all.” Nate took another drink before continuing. “The local news media picked up on the activity and are starting to ask questions.”
“The news coverage could work in our favor. It’ll make the public aware of how widespread organized crime has gotten. That, in turn, should make it easier to receive the public’s backing.”
“True at the local level, but the story was picked up by a national network and then your boss got wind what was happening.”
LD cringed at hearing that. “Is Alan Conrad on the warpath?”
“He’s in town with a whole team of agents asking questions, keeping close tabs on the Carmouche family. The man is searching for you two high and low.” Nate cut his eyes to Marie. “Mostly he’s looking for her.”
“Me?” Marie touched her chest with one hand. “Why?”
“Like you don’t know.” The anger in Nate’s voice was palatable.
“I don’t know what you’re…”
“Enough.” LD laid a hand on her shoulder, cutting her off. “Tell us why Conrad is looking for her.”
“There was a raid on a warehouse used to store goods waiting to clear customs. It seems while they were searching the place, diamonds were found stashed inside some shipments. Specifically, furniture bought and shipped back to the States by you.” He nodded toward Marie.
LD could feel the tension strumming through her body as she sat ramrod straight and silent. He wanted to comfort her, but first, he needed to hear the entire story. “Keep going.”
Nate stood and started pacing the deck. “Conrad is pulling rank and telling all the other authorities if they find Marie first, they are to turn her over to the FBI.” Nate looked directly at Marie. “They’ve seized your house, business and all other assets.”
“They can’t do that! I’ve done nothing wrong!” Her voice was high-pitched and full of stress.
Marie tried to stand, but LD pushed her back down. “Keep going, Nate.”
“There’s a warrant for your arrest and one for your brother and sister.” Nate’s words were not sympathetic.
This time he didn’t try to stop her from standing. “My brother and sister have nothing to do with this, nothing at all!”
“Their names are listed as business partners for the antique store,” Nate replied.
Marie got right in Nate’s face and started yelling. “Silent partners! They’ve been listed that way since our
parents died and they were small children. Neither of them has ever worked a day at the business.”
LD took Marie by the shoulders and guided her toward the cabin door. Opening the door with one hand, he pushed her inside. “We’ll talk later.”
“You can’t shut me up in here.”
“Actually I can,” he gripped the door handle like a lifeline, afraid if he touched her again, he wouldn’t be able to control his anger. “And while you’re waiting, why don’t you take the time to think about how your actions and continued silence have affected those people you claim to be protecting. Think about all the people you’ve hurt and how the hell you’re going to talk your way out of this, because even if you’re innocent, you have a lot of explaining to do.” With that said, he slammed the door, turned his back on the cabin and walked to the rail.
Gripping it hard, he worked to get his temper under control. Nate stood a few feet away, sipping his beer and studying the darkness. LD rubbed his neck and wondered exactly what kind of mess he’d brought to his family’s doorstep.
“This is bad, LD.” Nate’s tone was serious. “There’s talk about charging you with aiding and abetting. Alan Conrad made it clear if anything goes down without his knowledge and you’re involved—he won’t be able to cover for you.”
LD hung his head. He wasn’t surprised to hear his career was in jeopardy or there was the possibility he’d be charged with a crime. But hearing it put into words by another did make him wonder if he’d made the right decisions. He turned and looked through the window into the cabin where Marie paced the floor.
Were his instincts failing him? He didn’t think so, but if they were, it was time to get out of the business before he got someone hurt.
“There’s more and none of it’s good.”
LD turned his attention back to Nate and the matter at hand. He was glad for the distraction, because when it came to Marie, he wasn’t sure he was ready to go down the path his thoughts were headed.
Bayou Treasure Page 18